Empowering Others To Heal, Grow, And Create A Lasting Legacy
Odelia Elgarat shares her journey from logistics to writing, exploring healing, personal growth, and the power of storytelling.
Odelia Elgarat is an acclaimed author, speaker, and Guided Autobiography Instructor whose transformative work empowers individuals to explore their personal narratives and discover the healing potential of storytelling. Through her innovative approach, which blends Guided Autobiography, Journal Therapy, and Narrative Therapy, Odelia helps people reconnect with their inner wisdom, embrace self-forgiveness, and build a lasting legacy. A passionate advocate for the power of writing in personal growth and self-discovery, Odelia’s diverse background in Reiki, arts, and therapy infuses her work with deep compassion and understanding. Her memoir, You Are Allowed, is a testament to the transformative journey of self-acceptance and finding one’s true voice. In this interview, Odelia shares her unique perspective on how storytelling can heal, empower, and ultimately shape a more authentic future.
A deeply inspiring conversation about personal transformation, healing, and the power of one’s narrative to create lasting impact.
What inspired you to transition from a career in logistics and management to pursuing writing?
My decision to transition from a career in logistics and management to writing was the need to reconnect with my dream, my safe place.
I always dreamed of becoming an author. I started writing when I was ten years old, deeply influenced by my mother’s passion for reading. She was a true bookworm, always immersed in the classics, and reading together became one of our favorite pastimes.
Growing up, we didn’t have much money, so books and board games filled our afternoons after school and weekends. I was fascinated by how authors could evoke such powerful emotions through words, and from an early age, I knew I wanted to be a writer.
As a shy, introverted child, I often felt different from others. Writing became my refuge, a space where I could express myself freely without fear. I was often told I had too much imagination and that I dreamed too big, but the blank page never judged me. It was the one place where I felt truly safe.
So, when I finally returned to writing, it wasn’t just about pursuing a career. It was about coming home to myself.
Can you share more about the O.D.E.L. approach and how it helps individuals uncover their true selves?
I created the O.D.E.L. approach in 2007 as a guiding framework to help individuals embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. The approach stands for Origin, Deep, Expressive, and Lasting Legacy, transforming writing into a powerful tool for personal and creative transformation.
- Origin: Understanding ourselves begins with reflecting on our own story. Exploring our roots brings insight, self-acceptance, and space for transformation.
- Deep: Diving into our narratives allows us to process emotions profoundly, heal, and reshape our perspectives. This fosters self-forgiveness, self-love, and self-respect.
- Expressive: Writing freely, without fear or judgment, nurtures authenticity, fuels creativity, and helps release what no longer serves us.
- Lasting Legacy: Our stories hold power, not just for us but for future generations. Writing preserves wisdom, inspires others, and leaves a meaningful impact.
How has your diverse background in Reiki, arts, and narrative therapy influenced your writing style?
My diverse background, cultivated throughout my life in Reiki, arts, and narrative therapy, shapes my writing into an immersive and transformative experience. I see writing as more than a linear process. Words carry energy, influencing our lives and the way we perceive our stories.
By blending energy work, art, and therapeutic storytelling with other transformative tools, writing becomes more than an intellectual pursuit. It evolves into a deeply personal journey of self-acceptance, healing, growth, and transformation. Through storytelling, we gain clarity, reconnect with our truths, and step into our power.
What role do you think personal stories play in healing and self-discovery?
Writing is more than putting words on a page. It is a mirror into our souls, revealing our dreams, reconnecting us with what we love, and uncovering our deepest truths. When we pause to reflect, we rediscover our stories, find peace, and gain clarity on what still needs to be healed and transformed.
Through storytelling, we process emotions, release the past, and step into renewal by embracing growth, new perspectives, and fresh possibilities. Writing is a journey back to ourselves, one that allows us to honor our automaticity, reclaim our voice, and step fully into who we are meant to be.
How did your experiences across France, Israel, and the U.S. shape your perspective and approach to writing?
Living in France, Israel, and the United States, as well as traveling widely, has shaped my writing with an open mind, deep compassion, and a judgment-free approach to storytelling. It has made my writing wild, raw, and unapologetic.
For me, writing is more than a technique. It is freedom. A blank page is a new opportunity to create something meaningful, to inspire, and to invite others to dream bigger, to hope, and to believe in endless possibilities.
What challenges did you face while writing “You Are Allowed,” and how did you overcome them?
Writing my first memoir, You Are Allowed, was one of the most emotional and challenging journeys I have faced. It was not just about telling my story. It meant confronting deep emotions, painful memories, and complex relationships.
The hardest part was accepting both my birth mother and my mom, who raised and cared for me, as more than just mothers. Through writing, I saw them as women with their own struggles, dreams, and choices. This shift was both painful and transformative, pushing me to embrace vulnerability and empathy.
In the end, You Are Allowed became more than a memoir. Writing helped me make sense of my story, honor it, and find the freedom to move forward. It is all about perspective, and in the end, nothing is truly accurate.
“The hardest part was accepting both my birth mother and my mom as more than just mothers.” – Odelia Elgarat
What advice would you give to other authors looking to turn their personal journeys into impactful stories?
The best advice I can give is to write your story for yourself first. Before thinking about an audience, allow yourself to be raw, honest, and unfiltered. Your first draft should be about your truth, your perspective, and what you need from your writing journey.
Once your story is on the page, invite the reader in. Working with a professional editor is an essential step in shaping your book, ensuring that your words resonate and offer something valuable to those who read them.
Do not go at it alone. Surround yourself with the right professional team that aligns with you and your vision to support you on this incredible journey. These are the people who will help refine your narrative while keeping it authentic.
Finally, embrace the ripple effect. Once your story is out in the world, it will touch lives in ways you never anticipated. Writing a book is not just about publishing. It is about creating a legacy, sparking conversations, and making a lasting impact.
Share your truth with confidence. The world needs your story.
